Government Warned Against Raising Minimum Income Threshold for Family Visas

Strategic Insights -

The UK government has been advised against raising the minimum income threshold for family visas to the same level as for skilled workers, as it may conflict with international human rights law. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended the government to reconsider the plan to increase the threshold to £38,700, citing concerns that it would disproportionately affect family life. The committee's report highlights the need to balance economic wellbeing and family life in setting the minimum income requirement for family visas.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has warned against raising the minimum income threshold for family visas to £38,700, citing concerns about human rights law.
  • The current threshold of £29,000 is high compared to other high-income countries, with 90% of applicants being under the age of 44.
  • Pakistan is the largest nationality to use the family visa route, applying from outside the UK.
  • The committee suggests alternative thresholds of £24,000 to £28,000 or £23,000 to £25,000 to strike a balance between economic wellbeing and family life.
  • Lowering the threshold to £24,000 could result in an increase of around one to three percent of projected future net migration.
  • The report advises against raising the threshold for families with children due to the significant impacts on family life.
  • The MAC also recommends keeping the income amount required the same across all regions of the UK due to insufficient data on regional characteristics.

Statistics:

  • 90% of applicants for partner visas are under the age of 44. (Source: MAC report)
  • Pakistan is the largest nationality to use the family visa route, applying from outside the UK. (Source: MAC report)
  • Lowering the threshold to £24,000 could result in an increase of around one to three percent of projected future net migration. (Source: MAC report)
  • The UK's current £29,000 threshold is higher than in other high-income countries. (Source: MAC report)
  • Families with children would be disproportionately affected by a higher threshold, with negative impacts on financial pressures, prolonged separation, relationships, and children's mental health and education. (Source: MAC report)

Sources:

  • Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report (no date) (Source: The Government)
  • Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (Source: Council of Europe)
  • Home Office spokesperson's quote (Source: The Government)
  • Chris Philp's quote (Source: The Government)